Jake Peavy

BATTING LINE OF THE DAY Matt Lawton, Pirates RF AB R H RBI HR 4 3 3 2 1 PITCHING LINE OF THE DAY Jake Peavy, Padres IP H R BB SO 9 2 0 0 2 WHO'S UP Hideki Matsui is on an 11-game hitting streak, best of his career and the Yankees' best this season. WHO'S DOWN Nick Swisher, A's outfielder, is in an 0-for-16 stretch with runners in scoring position.

We ran a large piece today with a look at some Orioles targets as the trade deadline approaches on Wednesday. But after talking to a bunch of people over the past few days, both in and out of the organization, there was some stuff I couldn't get into that story and photo box. So here are some quick hits involving potential trade targets. Some of it is speculation, but much of it is based on those discussions. Of course, this time of year, talking to a lot of people doesn't always get you the truth.

Give it to Royals' Broxton Ron Fritz Baltimore Sun As much as I like the work of the Rangers' Yu Darvish and the Orioles' Jason Hammel, let's give this one to the home team. I'd put Royals closer Jonathan Broxton on the team with the game being played in Kansas City this year. It's not like you're adding a stiff. Broxton has 20 saves in 23 opportunities and a 2.05 ERA. Right now, designated hitter Billy Butler is the Royals' only representative.

Give it to Royals' Broxton Ron Fritz Baltimore Sun As much as I like the work of the Rangers' Yu Darvish and the Orioles' Jason Hammel, let's give this one to the home team. I'd put Royals closer Jonathan Broxton on the team with the game being played in Kansas City this year. It's not like you're adding a stiff. Broxton has 20 saves in 23 opportunities and a 2.05 ERA. Right now, designated hitter Billy Butler is the Royals' only representative.

• GIANTS: Manager Bruce Bochy said RHP Brian Wilson has been exercising after doctors confirmed that the closer had nothing more than a mild strain on his left side. Wilson will attempt to play catch Wednesday, although not off the mound. • WHITE SOX: RHP Jake Peavy had a light throwing session Tuesday morning that left him more optimistic than two days ago when his rotator cuff tendinitis was diagnosed. Peavy threw on a back field for 5 or 6 minutes at 30 to 40 feet and reported no significant discomfort.

PADRES ANALYSIS STRENGTHS -- Padres hopes hinge on the front of the rotation and the back of the bullpen. Jake Peavy (13-7, 2.88 ERA), who will start today, can be dominant when he has his best stuff. He struck out 216 in 203 in nings. Adam Eaton (11-5, 4.27) is an other quality starter. Trevor Hoff man (43 saves) is one of the best closers in baseball. The offense re volves around outfielder Brian Giles. If speedy center fielder Dave Roberts is able to play, the lineup and the de fense improve.

We ran a large piece today with a look at some Orioles targets as the trade deadline approaches on Wednesday. But after talking to a bunch of people over the past few days, both in and out of the organization, there was some stuff I couldn't get into that story and photo box. So here are some quick hits involving potential trade targets. Some of it is speculation, but much of it is based on those discussions. Of course, this time of year, talking to a lot of people doesn't always get you the truth.

The White Sox cross their fingers that this is the year Jake Peavy will pay dividends. But Clayton Richard and the Padres play on house money. Peavy prompted the Padres to trade him because he didn't think he could get back to the playoffs with them. Low payrolls in the wake of owner John Moores' divorce and the sale of the team to a group led by agent Jeff Moorad left the 2007 Cy Young Award winner thinking it was time for a change. Yet the Padres rode a surprisingly strong pitching staff to 90 victories in 2010, their most since going to the 1998 World Series.

ORLANDO, Fla. -- There are plenty of questions surrounding the inaugural World Baseball Classic, which opens in earnest today with games in Florida, Arizona and Puerto Rico. One thing already has been established, however. There's apparently no trash talking in international competition. "I don't have any favorite team in particular. I think they are all pretty good," said the Orioles' Javy Lopez, who will play first base and designated hitter for Puerto Rico. "And like I have been telling everybody, it doesn't matter how good of a team you are. All that matters is who is going to get hot at the moment.

• GIANTS: Manager Bruce Bochy said RHP Brian Wilson has been exercising after doctors confirmed that the closer had nothing more than a mild strain on his left side. Wilson will attempt to play catch Wednesday, although not off the mound. • WHITE SOX: RHP Jake Peavy had a light throwing session Tuesday morning that left him more optimistic than two days ago when his rotator cuff tendinitis was diagnosed. Peavy threw on a back field for 5 or 6 minutes at 30 to 40 feet and reported no significant discomfort.

The White Sox cross their fingers that this is the year Jake Peavy will pay dividends. But Clayton Richard and the Padres play on house money. Peavy prompted the Padres to trade him because he didn't think he could get back to the playoffs with them. Low payrolls in the wake of owner John Moores' divorce and the sale of the team to a group led by agent Jeff Moorad left the 2007 Cy Young Award winner thinking it was time for a change. Yet the Padres rode a surprisingly strong pitching staff to 90 victories in 2010, their most since going to the 1998 World Series.

ORLANDO, Fla. -- There are plenty of questions surrounding the inaugural World Baseball Classic, which opens in earnest today with games in Florida, Arizona and Puerto Rico. One thing already has been established, however. There's apparently no trash talking in international competition. "I don't have any favorite team in particular. I think they are all pretty good," said the Orioles' Javy Lopez, who will play first base and designated hitter for Puerto Rico. "And like I have been telling everybody, it doesn't matter how good of a team you are. All that matters is who is going to get hot at the moment.

PADRES ANALYSIS STRENGTHS -- Padres hopes hinge on the front of the rotation and the back of the bullpen. Jake Peavy (13-7, 2.88 ERA), who will start today, can be dominant when he has his best stuff. He struck out 216 in 203 in nings. Adam Eaton (11-5, 4.27) is an other quality starter. Trevor Hoff man (43 saves) is one of the best closers in baseball. The offense re volves around outfielder Brian Giles. If speedy center fielder Dave Roberts is able to play, the lineup and the de fense improve.

BATTING LINE OF THE DAY Matt Lawton, Pirates RF AB R H RBI HR 4 3 3 2 1 PITCHING LINE OF THE DAY Jake Peavy, Padres IP H R BB SO 9 2 0 0 2 WHO'S UP Hideki Matsui is on an 11-game hitting streak, best of his career and the Yankees' best this season. WHO'S DOWN Nick Swisher, A's outfielder, is in an 0-for-16 stretch with runners in scoring position.